The History of Robogatari

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Daisuke Amaya, widely known as "Pixel," embarked on a transformative chapter when Atari enlisted him to join their pioneering team, Atari AM4. Fueled by his passion for games like Metroid and Zelda, Pixel conceptualized a unique science fantasy project, coining it "Robogatari."

Within the Atari AM4 team, Pixel's creative vision came to life as he crafted a game that thrusts players, sans explanations, into an immersive world. The protagonist, Quota Mark, takes center stage in this adventure, finding himself in a village of bunny-like inhabitants known as Mimiga. The village harbors a team of scientists studying mysterious caves.

As Quota, players encounter the enigmatic Mimiga, including a key character named Jack, forming a diverse cast of personalities. The plot unravels organically, demanding players to piece together the narrative on their own. The stakes heighten as Quota discovers The Doctor, a rogue Mad Scientist, who has seized the powerful Demon Crown, aiming to create an army of robot soldiers and zombified Mimigas for global domination.

"Robogatari" stands as Pixel's magnum opus, a seamless fusion of Metroid and Zelda elements, challenging players to navigate the game's intricate plot and save the Mimigas and scientists from The Doctor's sinister machinations.

 

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Title: Robogatari

Genre: Action-Adventure

Platform: Atari Genesis (Released on March 12, 1995)

Synopsis:
Robogatari drops players into an enigmatic world with no handholding, challenging them to decipher the unfolding plot. Assume the role of Quota Mark, a mysterious adventurer donned in an orange spacesuit with a grey helmet and a dark blue visor.

Plot:
Quota Mark's journey leads him to a village of bunny-like beings named Mimiga, harboring scientists investigating mysterious caves. As Quota meets key characters like Jack, Sue Sakamoto, and others, the intricate plot unravels. The mission is clear: save the Mimigas and scientists from The Doctor, a rogue Mad Scientist who has seized the potent Demon Crown, aiming to build an army of robot soldiers and zombified Mimigas for world domination.

Gameplay Features:
- Seamless Exploration: Delve into a vast, interconnected world with no explanations, fostering a sense of discovery and mastery as players navigate various environments.

- Dynamic Characters: Interact with a diverse cast, each contributing to the evolving storyline. Choices made during encounters may impact the unfolding narrative.

- Puzzles and Combat: Engage in challenging puzzles and combat scenarios, blending the thrill of exploration with strategic gameplay.

- Ambiguous Narrative: The absence of explicit explanations encourages players to interpret the story, adding an element of mystery and intrigue.

Legacy:
Released alongside Metroid and later Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Robogatari played a pivotal role in defining the "Metrobovania" subgenre. This innovative approach to non-linear exploration, coupled with an ambiguous narrative, influenced subsequent titles and solidified Robogatari's place as a timeless classic in the world of action-adventure gaming. The term "Metrobovania" became synonymous with the unique blend of exploration, storytelling, and challenging gameplay introduced by these groundbreaking titles.

 

[bennymaker]

Title: Robogatari 2: Quota's Nightmare

Genre: Action-Adventure

Platform: Atari Saturn (Released on September 4, 1997)

Synopsis:
Robogatari 2: Quota's Nightmare continues the gripping saga as Quota Mark, the mysterious adventurer in his iconic orange spacesuit, encounters Mona, the princess and a knight from the Kingdom of Amular. Mona seeks Quota's assistance to thwart a new menace known as Nightmare. Meanwhile, the Doctor, presumed defeated, has survived and unleashed his deadly group of black knights, the Enforcers, with the intent to annihilate Mimigas and Quota.

Plot:
Quota and Mona embark on a perilous journey through the expanded Kingdom of Amular. Mona, revealing herself as the princess, explains that Nightmare, a malevolent force, threatens to plunge their world into eternal darkness. The Doctor, having survived, schemes to annihilate Mimigas and Quota with his Enforcers, seeking revenge for past defeats.

Gameplay Features:
- Dual Protagonists: Players control both Quota and Mona, each with unique skills, fostering cooperative gameplay for puzzle-solving and intense combat encounters.

- Expanded World: Explore new regions within the Kingdom of Amular, unveiling the dark influence of Nightmare and facing off against the Doctor's Enforcers in diverse environments.

- Enhanced Combat: Experience refined combat mechanics, with new weapons, abilities, and cooperative moves as Quota and Mona confront the Doctor's Enforcers and battle the encroaching Nightmare.

- Rich Narrative: Delve into a deeper narrative, filled with twists and revelations, as the duo unravels the mysteries behind Nightmare, the Doctor's survival, and their intertwined destinies.

Legacy:
Released on the Atari Saturn in 1997, Robogatari 2: Quota's Nightmare builds upon the success of its predecessor, solidifying the Robogatari series as a hallmark in the Metrobovania genre. The sequel's cooperative gameplay, expanded lore, and captivating storyline further contribute to the legacy of action-adventure gaming on the Atari Saturn platform.

 

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Title: Robogatari 3: The Last Fighter

Genre: Action-Adventure

Platform: Pocketsystem Wonderswan (Released on August 3, 2000)

Synopsis:
Robogatari 3: The Last Fighter brings the trilogy to a riveting conclusion as Quota Mark, joined by Mona, the Knights, and the Mimiga, faces a new threat. Meeting with allies Curly Brace, Hyphen, and Colon, Quota learns about the Fighters, a group of elite super-soldiers in a private government agency. He discovers that the Shikari, an ex-Fighter released by the Doctor, is on a quest to annihilate Mimiga and steal their magic.

Plot:
Quota Mark, once a part of the Fighters, reunites with his allies to confront the Shikari, who poses a grave threat to Mimiga and the entire island. However, a shocking betrayal unfolds as the Guardians, the most powerful knights of the realm, are revealed to have dark intentions. Sent to eliminate Quota due to a prophecy of him being a threat to the universe, one of the Guardians aligns with the Shikari, endangering everything Quota holds dear.

Gameplay Features:
- Diverse Playable Characters: Switch between Quota, Mona, and allies like Curly Brace, Hyphen, and Colon, each offering unique abilities crucial for overcoming challenges.

- Intricate Narrative: Uncover a gripping storyline filled with betrayals, prophecies, and a final showdown against the Shikari, testing the bonds forged throughout the trilogy.

- Expanded World: Explore new realms, face powerful enemies, and solve intricate puzzles as the story reaches its climax.

- Strategic Alliances: Form alliances with remaining Fighters to confront the Shikari and the Guardian working against you, blending strategic cooperation and intense combat.

Legacy:
Released on the Pocketsystem Wonderswan in 2000, Robogatari 3: The Last Fighter stands as the triumphant finale directly crafted by Daisuke Amaya. The game's complex narrative, expanded gameplay mechanics, and emotional depth mark it as a pinnacle in the Metrobovania genre. The trilogy leaves a lasting legacy as a testament to Amaya's storytelling prowess in the realm of action-adventure gaming.

 

[bennymaker]

Game Title: Robogatari+

Release Year: 2004

Platform: Pocketsystem Wonderswan

Genre: Action-Adventure

Synopsis:
"Robogatari+" revitalizes the classic adventure, released on the Pocketsystem Wonderswan in 2004. Immerse yourself in the familiar yet enhanced world of Quota Mark, the adventurer, as he navigates through pixelated landscapes, battles foes, and unravels the secrets of Mimiga Island. The remake preserves the essence of the original while introducing updated visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and additional content for both nostalgic fans and new players.

Key Features:

1. Enhanced Pixel Art: Experience the charm of the original pixel art brought to life with enhanced graphics, breathing new vibrancy into Mimiga Island's diverse environments.

2. Remastered Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in a remastered soundtrack that retains the iconic melodies of the original while leveraging the capabilities of the Pocketsystem Wonderswan for an enhanced auditory experience.

3. Updated Controls: Enjoy smoother controls optimized for the Pocketsystem Wonderswan, providing a more responsive and intuitive gameplay experience.

4. Expanded Lore: Uncover additional lore and background details, delving deeper into the history of Mimiga Island and the characters that inhabit this captivating world.

5. New Areas and Challenges: Explore new areas and face additional challenges that complement the original level design, offering both familiar nostalgia and fresh experiences.

6. Wonderswan Features Integration: Utilize the unique features of the Pocketsystem Wonderswan for an immersive gaming experience, from the mono speaker to the compact design.

7. Save System Improvements: Benefit from an updated save system, allowing players to preserve their progress more conveniently and ensuring a seamless adventure.

8. Additional Endings: Discover multiple endings based on your choices and actions, adding replay value and encouraging exploration of different paths.

Game Plot:
In "Robogatari+," players revisit the timeless tale of Quote's journey on Mimiga Island. The narrative remains true to the original, featuring the enigmatic Mimigas, the threat of the Doctor, and the quest to save the island from impending doom. The remake, however, introduces subtle narrative expansions, providing deeper insights into the characters and the world they inhabit.

Remastering Notes:
"Robogatari+" is not merely a graphical update but a carefully crafted enhancement of the original experience. The aim is to preserve the nostalgic essence while introducing improvements that make the game more accessible and enjoyable for both longtime fans and new players exploring the wonders of Mimiga Island for the first time on the Pocketsystem Wonderswan.

 

[bennymaker]

Title: Robogatari Kigen

Genre: RPG

Developer: Atari AM2

Engine: Voyage Engine (Same as Naka's Star Voyage series)

Platform: Pocketsystem Wonderswan (Released on November 8, 2004)

Trailer at E3 2004:
[The trailer opens with a haunting melody as scenes of war-torn landscapes and mythical creatures unfold. A young, voiced Quota Mark is introduced as a new recruit of the Fighters, facing challenges and a fierce redhead, Excla, the top-ranking Fighter. The title "Robogatari Kigen" emerges amidst epic battles and emotional encounters, concluding with the tagline: "Forge your legacy in the fires of war."]

Synopsis:
Robogatari Kigen immerses players in the untold tale of Quota Mark's early life, exploring his journey as a new recruit of the Fighters during the intense Mimiga Wars. Developed by Atari AM2 with the Voyage Engine, this RPG invites players to navigate the challenges of war, confront the hotheaded top-ranking Fighter, Excla, and shape the destiny of Quota Mark.

Gameplay Features:
- Voyage Engine Excellence: Experience the seamless integration of the Voyage Engine, offering a visually stunning and immersive RPG experience.

- Voiced Protagonist: Quota Mark speaks, allowing players to connect more deeply with his character as he faces the challenges of being a new recruit and confronts Excla.

- Character Rivalry: Engage in a dynamic relationship with Excla, a fiery redhead and top-ranking Fighter, as her hotheaded demeanor challenges Quota to prove himself and rise through the ranks.

- War-Torn Realms: Explore diverse kingdoms ravaged by war, encounter mythical creatures, and make choices that define Quota's legacy amidst the chaos.

Critical Reception:
Initially met with mixed reviews at E3 2004 due to the sensitive theme of war, Robogatari Kigen gained critical acclaim upon its full release on November 8, 2004. The game's compelling narrative, character development, and innovative use of the Voyage Engine set it apart, earning praise for enriching the Robogatari universe and providing players with a captivating RPG experience.

 

[bennymaker]

Title: Robogatari Kigen 2

Platform: Atari Gentem (Released in November 28, 2007)

Synopsis:
Robogatari Kigen 2, developed by the same team, thrusts players into the latter half of the war where Quota Mark's change of perspective leads him to switch sides, exposing Fighters' war crimes. Released on the Atari Gentem in 2007, the game explores Quota's journey to either defeat or recruit his former allies, including his rival Excla. A brutal encounter with the corrupted Shikari leaves both Quota and Excla frozen for two decades. Upon awakening, Quota faces a world where the Mimigas triumphed, humanity departed, and the Director, now the Doctor, seeks revenge.

Plot:
Quota Mark's redemption journey unfolds as he fights against former allies and exposes the atrocities committed during the Mimiga War. The intense rivalry with Excla culminates in a battle where Quota emerges victorious. However, the corrupted Shikari intervenes, leading to a brutal defeat for both Quota and Excla. Connie's intervention ensures they remain frozen for two decades. Upon awakening, Quota navigates a world shaped by the aftermath of the war, with no memory of his past and a grieving Connie searching for answers.

Gameplay Features:
- Morality Choices: Make critical decisions impacting the story, choosing between recruiting or defeating former allies.

- Intense Battles: Engage in strategic combat, facing both corrupted foes and former friends, with consequences affecting the narrative.

- Mystery and Rediscovery: Uncover the mysteries of Quota's forgotten past, exploring a world where Mimigas are triumphant and humanity is absent.

- Consequences of War: Witness the aftermath of the Mimiga War, with a world changed by Quota's actions and the enduring threat of the Doctor's revenge.

Legacy:
Robogatari Kigen 2, released on the Atari Gentem in 2007, achieved critical success for its deep narrative and gameplay improvements. Despite commercial challenges, selling 2 million copies compared to the predecessor's 6 million, the game remains a significant chapter in the Robogatari series. Considered the last Robogatari game for a while, it leaves players with a thought-provoking conclusion to Quota Mark's saga, setting the stage for future developments in the Robogatari universe.